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Rob Edwards is on the final shortlist for both of the managerial vacancies at Middlesbrough and Bristol City, talk SPORT understands. Boro recently sacked Michael Carrick as head coach after three years in charge, while the Robins are looking for a new boss to replace Liam Manning, who left to take charge of Championship rivals Norwich. Edwards has been out of work since leaving his role as Luton manager in January, where he had spent three years at the helm. The 42-year-old guided the Hatters to promotion to the Premier League in 2023, where he earned plaudits for his side's battling style of play in the top-flight, despite ultimately suffering relegation. His tenure at Kenilworth Road ended in difficult circumstances, with Luton sitting 20th in the Championship at the time of his departure. They went on to get relegated to League One this term. With two clubs now chasing his signature, Edwards will face competition for either role, with former Barnsley boss Gerhard Struber is also among Bristol City's candidates. Meanwhile, Liverpool great Steven Gerrard has emerged as a candidate for the Middlesbrough role, having departed Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq in January. Should Edwards ultimately take the reigns at either club, he will be setting his sights on promotion. Bristol City finished fifth in the Championship under Liam Manning last term, who enjoyed a stunning end of season run to make the play-offs. However, they were ultimately beaten 6-0 on aggregate by Sheffield United in the semi-finals. Meanwhile Michael Carrick was dismissed by Middlesbrough after failing to deliver a top-six finish. The Yorkshire outfit finished a disappointing 10th last term despite being in contention to make the play-offs, losing three of their final five fixtures. This was the second consecutive season Boro had missed out on a shot at the Premier League, having come eighth in the 2023/24 campaign. In Carrick's first season in charge at the Riverside, he guided the club to fourth in the Championship, who were then beaten by Coventry in the play-off semi-final in 2023. It is no surprise both clubs are keen on securing Edwards' services, given his proven track record at getting out of the Championship. The former Watford boss took over Luton in November 2022, where he guided them to unlikely promotion to the Premier League with victory over Coventry in the play-off final at Wembley. This was the first time the Hatters had played in the top-flight since 1992. It also rounded off a remarkable rise which saw them become the first team to go from the top-tier to non-league, and then back again. Edwards was unable to avoid immediate relegation to the Championship, while his side continued to struggle back in the second tier last term. The Hatters' fortunes didn't improve after his exit however, as they ultimately suffered back-to-back relegations to League One under his successor Matt Bloomfield. With a fresh start for Edwards now looking a real possibility, he will hope to end another club's long wait to return to the top flight. Middlesbrough last played in the Premier League in 2017, while Bristol City have not featured in the top tier of English football since 1980. © 2025 talk SPORT Limited

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